Over the past three years, Pakistan has achieved defence exports worth USD 1.3 billion since the previous edition of IDEAS in 2022…reports Asian Lite News
Pakistan is poised to earn approximately USD 30 billion in the coming years through defence exports to friendly nations, the Ministry of Defence announced on Thursday. This potential stems from 82 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2024), held last week in Karachi. These agreements involve the export of advanced defence products, including drones, fighter jets, commercial ships, electronic warfare equipment, and radars, according to Ministry of Defence Production Secretary Lt. Gen. (Retd) Chiragh Haider.
The 12th edition of IDEAS, conducted under tight security, was lauded as a major success, attracting defence manufacturers and exhibitors from over 55 countries, such as the United States, Russia, China, Turkiye, Iran, Italy, the UK, and Azerbaijan. Haider emphasized that while the MoUs reflect significant potential, converting them into tangible projects will take time due to necessary testing, trials, and modifications. However, the agreements indicate a promising trajectory for Pakistan’s defence exports in the years ahead.
Over the past three years, Pakistan has achieved defence exports worth USD 1.3 billion since the previous edition of IDEAS in 2022. Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO) Director General Major General Asad Nawaz Khan noted that the majority of the MoUs were signed with six key public sector entities, including Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF), Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra, and Global Industrial and Defence Solutions Pakistan (GIDS Pakistan). Collaborative agreements were also signed with China, further cementing bilateral defence ties.
Pakistan showcased several cutting-edge defence products at IDEAS 2024, including the Haider Main Battle Tank (MBT), the Shahpar III medium-altitude, long-endurance drone, Al-Khalid and Al-Zarrar tanks, and the latest model of the Super Mushshak aircraft. These developments underscore Pakistan’s growing capabilities in defence manufacturing and export.
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